Now on all platforms, an internal user database eliminates the need for system user accounts for VShell end users and simplifies migrations.

Here’s what you’ll find in the VShell 4.4 (Beta 2) release:

New edition: Enterprise with HTTPS for Windows

A new enterprise-level edition of VShell with HTTPS allows your staff, customers, and partners to transfer files easily using an web browser, reducing the need for end-user training. Streamline the administrative cost of secure file transfer – no client software is needed and there are no browser plugins to install. Users connect via HTTPS to view folder contents, upload and download files, and more. Automated file transfers can be scheduled using HTTPS command-line tools such as cURL.

SFTP virtual roots (Windows)

SFTP virtual roots allow you to map folders from multiple SFTP servers to a single VShell server. After authenticating the connections, VShell transparently transfers file operations to a separate SFTP server. Files are uploaded and downloaded without ever being written to the VShell server’s disk, assisting with standards compliance and reducing the disk space required by the VShell host machine.

Improved virtual roots (Windows)

The Virtual Roots category of the VShell control panel has been completely redesigned to accelerate virtual root configuration and improve usability. See at a glance which users and groups have access to your file system, which folders they can see, and what file operation permissions they have. Edit properties in place without opening a dialog.

Internal user database (UNIX/Linux/Mac)

Eliminate the need to create system accounts for end users when accounts are only needed for VShell access. Simplify future migrations by letting VShell automatically include your users and groups when you move the VShell configuration to a new server. Now on the UNIX/Linux and Mac versions in addition to Windows.

Specify deny hosts failure time (Windows, SFTP, and FTPS editions)

Ward off brute force attacks by specifying the amount of time in which a certain number of authentication failures from a particular IP address will be tolerated. Any further authentication attempts by that IP address will be immediately disconnected. Optionally, re-allow connection attempts from a previously denied IP address after a certain amount of time.

Support for encrypt-then-MAC (EtM) algorithms

Support has been added for encrypt-then-MAC (EtM) algorithms, including SHA2 and UMAC.

Allow or Deny SFTP Commands

Choose whether to allow or deny specific SFTP commands on a per-user or per-group basis, including SETSTAT, FSETSTAT,RMDIR, REMOVE, RENAME, and LINK.

Fully-functional evaluation copies of VShell 4.4 (Beta 2) with HTTPS for Windows can be downloaded and evaluated for 60 days. VShell evaluators have full access to VanDyke Software’s expert technical support to assist with installation, configuration, and testing during the 60-day VShell evaluation period.

Please send us your feedback on this new version during the beta release cycle. Your input will help us improve the functionality of the 4.4 release. Send your questions, requests, or bug reports to support@vandyke.com.